Electric snap switch



May 13 1941. G. J. MEUER ELECTRIC SNAP 'SWITCH Filed May 22, 1939 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 a -5450a 3,4715 47f55 554 OaL 521544442 5 56 502147c 55a 55l 55 zz 59";4zc47e 46a 55.EL

May 13, 1941. G. J. NEUER i Y2241469 ELECTRIC SNAP SWITCH Fna nay 22, 1959 2 shams-sheet 2 52a 54 a 4 a 5l 52. 47 47 34 Z 50 \\f A v Q5 W20 a k/ j y a 50 54 a l lmhm 50 n a 47 39 f a.

d 47e 47e 47 4a 55 79 40' Patented May 13, 1941 ELECTRIC SNAP SWITCH George J. Mauer, Milwaukee, Wis., assigner to Cutler-Hammer, Inc., Milwaukee, Wis., a corporation of Delaware Application May .22, 1939, Serial No. 274,872

17 Claims.

This invention relates to improvements in electric snap switches, and more particularly to switches of the tool-handle type.

A primary object of the invention is to provide an improved form of tool-handle switch of the double-pole, double-throw type without an oil position.

Another object is to provide a switch of the aforementioned character having parts of rugged and durable construction, and which is not likely to get out of order.

Another object is to provide such a switch with stationary and movable contact elements of improved form.

Another object is to provide a double-pole, double-throw snap switch of substantially dusttight construction.

Another object is to minimize the number of different parts required to produce a switch of the aforementioned character.

Another object is to provide a novel form and assembly of insulating carrier and bridging contactors for electric snap switches of the aforementioned character.

Another object is to provide a switch having a novel arrangement of six wiring terminal members at a common level adjacent to the upper surface of the base.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will hereinafter appear.

Thel accompanying drawings illustrate certain embodiments of the invention which will now be described, it being understood that the embodiments illustrated are susceptible of modification in respect of certain details of construction thereoi` without departing from the spirit and scope of my invention as dened by the appended claims.

In the drawings, Figure 1 is a longitudinal vertical section through a double-pole, doublethrow snap switch constructed in accordance with my invention, the opposite end portions of the base being shown in elevation.

Fig. 2 is a top plan View of the insulating base shown in Fig. 1, with the stationary and movable contact elements in position, one of the upper stationary contact elements being broken away to better illustrate the cooperative relationship of the bridging contactors.

Fig. 3 is an end elevation of the switch shown in Figs. 1 and 2.

Fig. 4 is a section on the line 4 4 of Fig. 2, the relatively thin insulating plate being shown in assembled relation to the upper pair of resilient stationary contacts.

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the insulating carrier for the contactors, one of the contactors being shown in assembled position and the other contacter being shown in separated relation.

Fig. 6 is a perspective View of a fragment of the insulating base showing the manner in which the insulating base is notched and recessed from the upper and outer surfaces of each longitudinal side wall thereof to accommodate the wiring terminal elements of the upper pair of resilient contactors.

Fig. 7 is a longitudinal sectional view similar to Fig. 4, but showing modified forms of stationary contacts, contactors and insulating carrier for the latter, and

Fig. 8 is a perspective View of the insulating carrier shown in Fig. 7, one of the contactors being shown in assembled position and the other contacter being shown in separated relation.

The switches herein disclosed are in certain respects like those described and claimed in my patents, No. 1,889,259, dated Nov. 29, 1932, and No. 1,977,078, dated Oct. 16, 1934. Also certain features of the switches herein disclosed are described and claimed in my prior application, Se-

rial No. 233,828, filed Oct. 7, 1938, as will hereinafter be pointed out.

Referring rst to Figs. 1 to 6, inclusive, the numeral 20 designates a base or block of substantially rectangular contour molded from a suitable insulating material, such as Bakelite Base 20 is provided with a relatively large and relatively deep recess 2l opening to the upper surface thereof, the end walls of said recess being provided on the inner surfaces thereof with integral ribs or barriers 22 and 23 extending throughout the depth of the recess, wherefore the latter is of approximately H-shape when viewed from the top (see Fig. 2). Also formed integrally with the respective end Walls of the recess and extending from the outer surfaces thereof respectively are barriers 2s and 25 which are interposed between the respective pairs of end wiring terminals of the switch, the lower end portions of barriers 24 and 25 being cut away or angled inwardly toward the main body of base 2D, as shown at 26 and 2l in Figs. 1 and 3, to minimize the amount of insulating material required to form base 20 and to reduce the weight of the latter.

Each end wall of the recess 2l is provided with a pair of like notches or grooves 28 (Fig. 2) opening to the upper surface of base 2i). Notches 28 are structurally and functionally similar to the end wall notches shown in Figs. 7 and 8 of my aforementioned application Serial No. 233,828. In the present switch, however, notches 28 open at the outer ends thereof to rectangular recesses 29 which open to the upper surface of base 29 and to the outer surfaces of the respective en d walls. Recesses 29 are respectively adapted to accommodate, in a substantially flush relation to the upper surface of base and in a substantially flush relation to the outer surfaces of the respective end walls, the flat rectangular outer end portions 30 of machined metal terminal members, the intermediate cylindrical portions 3| of which are accommodated by the notches 28. Said metal members are-provided at the inner ends of portions 3| w'ith reduced hollow cylindrical portions which penetrate correspondingly shaped openings in the relatively wide upper end portions 32 of like resilientv stationary contacts 33, each of which is bent to the form best illustrated in Fig. 4, said reduced hollow cylindrical portions being upset' over the upper end' portions 32 of said contacts; as shown at 34, to rigidly and permanently unite said contact and terminal members;

The side walls 35 and 36 of base 2D are provided with auxiliary recesses 35 andy 36a which are respectively opposed to and paired with the upwardly opening auxiliary recesses 22 and 23a in barriers 22 and 23 to accommodate the enlarged upper end portions 32 of contacts 33, said auxiliary recesses extending downwardly for only a portion of the depth ofrecess2l, as best illustrated in Fig. 4. When the contact and terminal members are in assembled position with respect to base 20 said enlarged end portions 32 of the contacts have their upper edges in a substantially flush relation to theY upper surface of base 20 (see Fig. 4') In practice I prefer to-bend the upper corners of" enlarged portions 32 of the contacts 33 towardl the portions 30of their respective terminal members,` as shown at 32a in Figs. 2 and 4, to thereby provide for a resilient press t of the contact and terminal units against the inner and outer surfaces of the end walls of recess 2|'. This arrangement` has the effect of clamping the rectangular'portions 30 of the terminal members against the-inner walls of the respective recesses 29; thus insuring substantial sealing or dust-tightness of the end walls of the recess. The aforementioned press iit of these units with respect to base 2i!` further minimizes Iany tendency toward upward displacement of the units with respect to base 29 after complete assembly of the switch parts.

As best illustrated in Fig. 4, the longitudinally alined contacts 33 extend downwardly from their terminal members in a relatively close but gradually spaced relationship-to the opposed end walls of recess 2|, the free end portions of said contacts being bent to conform to the junction between said end walls and the bottom wall 31 of said recess 2|, the aforementioned gradual or increased spacing of said contacts being continued between said free endy portions and said bottom wall 31, when all of the switch parts are in assembled relation. 'I'he free end portions of the longitudinally alined contacts 33 terminate in-downw-ardly bent or iiared endsA 33a, which are substantially spaced longitudinally from each other. With reference to Fig. 4, it is to be understood that contacts 33 are bent in a manner to bias the free end portions thereof upwardly from the-bottom wall 3l to a substantially greater extent than that shown, whereby said free end portions are placed under a predetermined degree of compression or strain upon assembly of the parts in the manner illustrated.

Formed integrally with the bottom wall 3? of recess 2|, and longitudinally alined with the barriers 22 and 23, is a flat-topped rib or ridge 38 (Figs. 1 and 2) along which the bridging contactor carrying insulating plate 39 is adapted to slide. Plate 39 is preferably punched to the symmetrical form best illustrated in Fig. 5, the same having a centrally located elongated rectangular opening 40. A pair of notches 4| extends inwardly from each longitudinal edge of plate 39, said pairs of notches being alined with each other and with opening 40. Each pair of notches 4| is adapted to freely accommodate, by endwise insertion, a contactor 42 of the form best illustrated in Figs. 4 and 5. Each contactor 42 is provided with a flat lower portion 42 adapted to underlie a portion 39a of plate 39 formed by one of the pairs of notches 4|, and the same is further provided with connecting portions 421 divergently angled upwardly to the upper surface of plate 39, and with oppositely extending flat; end portions 42C, 42, which respectively overlie plate 39 at opposite sides of the notches 4|. The angular bends in the contactors 42 cooperate with certain edges of the notches 4| as illustrated to insure against substantial displacement of said contactors longitudinally of plate 39.

The width of plate 39 is such that 'the side walls of recess 2| cooperate therewith to insure against lateral displacement of contactors 42 from the pairs of grooves, as best illustrated in Fig. 2. Plate 39 is provided at opposite ends .thereof with relatively wide and relatively deep notches 43, 43 to provide suitable clearance between saidplate and the barriers 22 and 23, pending engagement of the inner walls of said notches with the respective barriers to limit opposite movements of said plate. The extensions 44 thus provided at the four corners of the plate act to properly insulate the inactive lower stationary contact of such set, as best illustrated at the right-hand side of Fig. 4.

The side walls 35 and 36 of base 20 are provided at diagonally offset points thereof with upwardly opening notches 45 and 46 which are of identical form, and which are substantially like the notches 28 aforedescribed. However, due to the relatively greater thickness or" the side walls oi base 23, as compared with the end walls thereof, the recesses 45a and 463- extend inwardly to a greater extent from the outer surface of the base than do the recesses 29 aforementioned. By this means I am able to employ for the upper pair of resilient contacts 47 (of identical form) terminal members having parts 3l), 3| like those aforedescribed. Each contact 47 has a substantially square upper end portion 47a which is provided with an opening to accommodate the reduced cylindrical` hollow end of the terminal member which is upset as shown at 34, for the purpose heretofore described. The upper corners 41h of each contact portion 4la are bent inwardly as shown to bindor clamp against the inner surfaces of .the respective walls 35 and 3E, whereby the iiat rectangular portions 39 of said terminal members are drawn or clamped tightly against the inner walls of recesses 45a and 45, to provide for substantial dust-tightness of said side walls and to resist any tendency toward accidental upward displacement of the upper set of combined contact and terminal members. The six wiring terminal members of the switch are provided with tapped openings to receive the usual binding screws 30a.

Each contact member 41 has a portion 41 (Fig. 4) bent at substantially a right angle to portion 41a to lie in -a horizontal plane; the same being bent or reflexed as shown at 41d to provide the portion 41e which extends in a substantially horizontal plane throughout the major portion of the length of recess 2l when the switch parts are in assembled relation. As will be understood, portion 41e before assembly thereof extends downwardly at a substantial angle to the horizontal, wherefore the same when assembled, as illustrated in Fig. 4, has a substantial degree of downward bias. Said portion 41e is provided with a downwardly bent or bowed portion 411 which is positioned at the mid-point of the length of recess 2|, and which is adapted to be engaged by one or the other of the end portions 42c of its associated contactor 42 when plate 39 is in one or the other of its extreme positions.

Thus as shown in Fig. 4, with plate 39 in its left-hand extreme position said portion 41I of the upper contact will be engaged by the right-hand end portion 42c of contactor 42, while the at lower portion 42a of said contacter is engaged with the left-hand lower contact of its associated set. Obviously upon movement to plate 39 to its right-hand extreme position the left-hand end portion of the contactor will be engaged with said portion 41r and the flat lower portion 42a of the contacter will be engaged with the right-hand contact 33.v As will be understood, upon movement of carrier 39 from each extreme position to the other the portions 41I of the upper contacts will be temporarily disengaged from their associated contactors 42 (during movement of portions 39a of plate 39 in contact with said portions 41f), thus providing a double break of the circuit between each upper contact 41 and that one of the lower set of associated contacts last connected therewith. It is to be understood that thel contactor 42 and the associated contacts on the other side of rib 38 will function simultaneously in the same manner.

Each upper contact 41 is preferably extended horizontally beyond the portion 41I thereof, as shown at 41g; the primary purpose of which extensions is to provide a proper support for the relatively thin punched insulating plate 48 which is interposed between said upper contacts and the metal elements of the snap actuating means for the switch. Thus, as shown in Fig. 1, plate 48 is provided with a relatively long, narrow opening Aor slot 48 to provide oscillating clearance for the vertical insulating plate 49, the tapered lower end 49EL of which is positioned within opening 40 in carrier plate 39 for driving the latter from one extreme position thereof to the other.

Plate 49 is pivotally supported by the connecting portion of a substantially U-shaped wire yoke member 59 (Fig. 1), the hooked ends of the arms of which are in turn pivotally engaged in openings provided in a stamped sheet metal top plate 55, in'substantially the manner disclosed in my aforementioned Patent No. 1,977,078; and as more specifically shown in Figs. 1 to 3 of my aforementioned application, Serial No. 233,- 828. The actuating mechanism and superstructure of the switch herein disclosed are essentially like those shown in Figs. l to 3 of said application Serial No. 233,828; but the present switch embodies certain improvements in the structural details of said actuating mechanism and superstructure. That is to say, I provide a flat metal top plate 52, with a iiat rubber-like sheet or gasket 53 interposed between top plate 52 and the upper surface of base 2B. I prefer to interpose between top plate 52 and gasket 53 a relatively thin flat sheet 54 of iiber or similar insulating material. The primary purpose of fiber sheet 54 is to prevent upward turning or bending of the opposite ends of gasket 53 as an incident to the compressive or clamping action of top plate 52 upon complete assembly of the switch parts. Although the size or length of top plate 52 might be increased to overcome the difculty just mentioned, such a change would have the disadvantage of bringing the ends of top plate 52 relatively close to the wiring terminal members and screws 30a associated therewith.

Superimposed upon top plate 52 is a second top plate 55, within the centrally located domeshaped portion 55a of which the aforementioned yoke 50 is pivotally supported. Also supported by portion 55a is a pin 5E which acts as a pivotal support for the operating lever 56a, in the manner disclosed in said application Serial No. 233,- 828, portion 55EL having a relatively narrow slot formed in the upper end thereof to provide oscillating clearance for said lever. Superimposed upon top plate 55 is an elastic, rubber-like member or gasket having a at sheet or flange portion 51 which extends to a slight degree beyond plate 55, said gasket having a vdome-shaped portion 51a completely enclosing the aforementioned portion 55a; but said portion 51a is provided with a slit 51b in the upper end thereof to permit oscillation of lever 55a, although the Walls of slit 51b tend to close against each other and thereby closely hug said lever in all positions of the latter. With this arrangement substantial dust-tightness of the switch contacts and operating mechanism is insured under all conditions. superimposed upon flange portion 51 is a metal plate 58 having an opening 58a to accommodate the dome-shaped portion 51a.

A pair of relatively long screws 59 extend upwardly through suitable passages in base 20 and through alined openings in the aforementioned parts 53, 54, 52, 55, 51, 58, and freely through hollow metal spacers or ferrules 6D, the threaded ends of which screws take into tapped openings in a suitable supporting plate 5I to rigidly clamp all of the aforedescribed parts in assembled relation. The Shanks of screws 59 preferably eX- tend upwardly to a predetermined degree above plate 6|, and said Shanks are upset over the upper surface of said plate to retain the parts permanently in assembled relation. Plate 6I is provided adjacent opposite ends thereof with untapped openings 51a, 6 lb and with other openings Slc, 6ld which are tapped, said sets of openings being adapted to provide alternative means for attaching the complete device to a suitable support.

' As shown in Fig. 1 the vertical insulating actuating plate 49 is provided with a reduced substantially rectangular upper end portion 49b which telescopes into the lower end of the coiled compression spring 62. Telescoped onto the upper end of spring 62 is an approximately inverted cup-shaped sheet metal member 93, the closed upper end E3a of which is dished or depressed to provide a suitable abutment for the rounded lower end 56h of lever 56a. In practice member E3 is formed to the shape thereof illustrated from an elongated strip or plate of metal of a width slightly less than the diameter of said member, as measured across the downwardly pressing the lower contacts 66 with which they happen to be engaged.

Each of the two upper stationary contacts comprises a vertical portion 69a rigidly attached to its associated terminal member as by means of the upset'portion or flange 34; a 'portion 69h bent laterally at a right angle to portion 69EL to lie in a substantially horizontal plane; a bend or reflex 69C; and a relatively long contact portion 69d, the free end of which is flared or bent upwardly to a slight extent, as shown at 6&8. As will be understood each ufpper contact is initially formed to provide for extension of portion 69d thereof downwardly to a substantial degree with respect to the horizontal, whereby said portion 69d is placed under a predetermined stress or strain when the parts are in assembled relation.

The arrangement is such that the portions 68h, 68 of each contactor are continuously engaged by the portion 69d of the upper contact associated therewith; whereas the lower ends of the U-shaped portions 68a of said contactors are adapted to engage alternately the longitudinally alined contacts 66, E6 of each set. The electrical functions of the switch of Figs. '7 and 8 are substantially identical with those of the switch rst described. The portions 69d of the upper contacts are preferably of the length shown to provide a proper support for the ber plate 48, the function of which was heretofore described. The extensions 61d at the four corners of plate 61 are preferably made rather short, to avoid any possible interference between the same and the lower contacts 68; while insuring overlapping of portions of contacts 66 by said plate in all positions of the latter, as illustrated in Fig. 7.

What I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. In a double-pole, double-throw snap switch without an off position, in combination, an insulating base having a recess formed therein and opening to the upper surface thereof, a rib formed integrally with the bottom wall of said recess and having a atupper surface, an insulating plate slidable flatwise upon said upper surface ofthe rib, a pair of lower contacts respectively secured to the opposite ends of said recess and having resilient free end portions spaced from each other longitudinally of said recess and biased upwardly beyond said flat surface of the rib, an upper contact secured to a side wall of said recess and having a resilient free end portion biased downwardly toward said flat surface of the rib, said plate in all positions thereof being interposed between said upper contact and said lower contacts to maintain the same in substantially parallel spaced relation, a contactor carried by said plate and having portions exposed at the upper and lower surfaces of the latter, said upper exposed portion of said contactor being engaged with the resilient portion of said upper contact in each extreme position of said plate, said lower exposed portion of said contacter being engaged with the resilient portions of said lower contacts alternately upon movement of said plate to opposite extreme positions respectively, and manually operable means including means for effecting snap movement of said plate from each extreme position thereof to the other.

2. In a double-pole, double-throw snap switch without an olf position, in combination, an insulating base having a recess formed therein and opening to the upper surface thereof, a rib formed integrally with the bottom Wall of said recess and having a flat upper surface, an insulating plate slidable flatwise upon said upper surface of the n'b, four resilient contacts secured to the opposite ends of said recess and arranged in longitudinally spaced alined pairs, the free end portions of said contacts being normally biased above the upper surface of said rib, two additional resilient contacts secured to the respective side walls of said recess in diagonally opposed relationship to each other and having free end portions overlapping and biased downwardly toward the respective longitudinally alined pairs of free end portions aforementioned, said plate in all positions thereof being interposed between the free end portions of each of said additional contacts and the respective longitudinally alined pairs of free end portions to maintain the same in substantially parallel spaced relation, a pair of contactors carried by said plate and having portions thereof exposed at the upper and lower surfaces of the latter, the upper exposed portions of said contactors being engaged with the free end portions of the respective additional contacts in each extreme position of said plate, the lower exposed portions of said contactors being engaged alternately with the longitudinally alined free end portions of said rst mentioned pairs upon movement of said plate to opposite extreme positions respectively, and manually operable means including means for effecting snap movement of said plate from each extreme position thereof to the other.

3. In a double-pole, double-throw snap switch without an olf position, in combination, an insulating base having a recess formed therein and opening to the upper surface thereof, a rib formed integrally with the bottom wall of said recess and having a flat upper surface, an insulating plate slidable flatwise upon said upper surf-ace of the rib, four resilient contacts secured to the opposite ends of said recess and arranged in longitudinally spaced alined pairs, the free end portions of said contacts being normally biased above the upper surface of said rib, two additional resilient contacts secured to the respective side walls of said recess in diagonally opposed relationship to each other and having free end portions overlapping and biased downwardly toward the respective longitudinally alined pairs of free end portions aforementioned, said plate in all positions thereof being interposed between the free end portions of each of said additional contacts and the respective 10ngitudinally alined pairs of free end portions to maintain the same in substantially parallel spaced relation, a pair of contactors carried by said plate and having portions thereof exposed lat the upper and lower surface of the latter, the upper exposed portions of said contactors being engaged with the free end portions of the respective additional contacts in each extreme position of said plate, the lower exposed portions of said contactors being engaged alternately with the longitudinally alined free end portions of said rst mentioned pairs upon movement of said plate to opposite extreme positions respectively, manually operable means including means for effecting snap movement of said plate from each extreme position thereof to the other, said last mentioned means including a metal yoke member pivotally supported relatively to said base and depending into said recess, a flat insulating plate pivotally supported by said yoke and spring biased with the latter to one extreme position or the other, said last mentioned insulating plate having a Ilost motion driving connection with said insulating plate iirst mentioned, and a relatively thin lat insulating plate interposed bctween the free end portions of all of said contacts and said yoke member, said last mentioned plate having a slot formed therein to provide clearance for said insulating plate second men` tioned.

4. In an electric snap switch, in combination, a substantially rectangular molded insulating base of greater length than width having a recess of corresponding shape formed therein and opening to the upper surface thereof, alined ribs formed integrally with the bottom and end walls of said recess and arranged in the plane of the longitudinal center line of said base, said bottom wall rib having a flat upper surface, a flat punched plate of insulating material slidable upon said last mentioned rib into abutting engagement with said end wall ribs alternately, a pair of stamped sheet metal bridging contactors carri-ed by said pla-te on opposite sides of said bottom wall rib, each contactor having an intermediate portion thereof exposed on the lower surface of said plate at the transverse center line of the latter, each contactor also having oppositely extending end portions thereof exposed on the upper surface of said plate in spaced relation to lsaid vtransverse --center line of the latter,

four like combined contact and terminal members secured to the end walls of said recess in substantially ilush relation -to the upper surface of said base, said members having -resilient free end vportions arranged in longitudinally -spaced land alined pairs adjacent to the bottom wall of said recess but normally biased above the upper surface of said bottom wall rib, an additional pair of like combined-contact-andterminal members secured to the respective side walls of -said recess in substantially -flush Arelation to the upper surface of said base in diagonally 'opposed relationship to each othen-said last mentioned members having resilient free end porti-ons extending in opposite directions respectively across t-he transverse center line of said recess and adapted for engagement with at least one lof the -oppositely extending end portions of each conta'ctcr in each extreme position of said plate, a flat insulating plate having a lost motion driving 'connection with said plate first mentioned, and

manually operable snap action mechanism for elf-acting movement of said second plate from each extreme position thereof to the other.

'5. In a double-pole, double-throw snap switch, in combinati-on, a molded insulating base of substantially rectangular contour, said base having a recessformed therein and opening to the upper surface thereof, -a rib formed integrallywith said base and |having a fiat surface offset upwardly from the bottom wall of said recess, a plate of insulating material positioned within said recess andslida-ble atwise upon said surface of the ri-b, two Ysets of lower longitudinally alined resilient contacts secured to the end walls of said recess and having the free end portions thereof normally biased toward a plane albove said flat surface of said rib, the free end portions of each set of contacts being substantially spaced from each other longitudinally vof the base, a pair of upper contacts respectively secured to the side walls of said recess, said last mentioned contacts each having .a resilient arm biased toward said flat surface of the rib and overlying the free end portions of one of said sets of contacts, la pair of stamped sheet metal contactors carried by said plate, each contactor having a portion thereof exposed at the lower surface of said plate and adapted for engagement with said longitudinally alined contacts alternately upon movement of said plate to opposite extreme positions respectively, each contacter also having a portion thereof exposed at the upper surface of said plate and adapted for engagement with its associated upper contact in each extreme position of said plate, and manually operable means associated with said plate to eilect snap movement thereof from each extreme position to the other.

6. In a two-position double-pole, `double-throw snap switch of the tool-handle type, in combination, a molded insulating base having a relatively long substantially rectangular recess formed therein and open-ing to the -upper surface thereof, the end walls and side walls of said recess having six substantially similar sets of notches and recesses formed therein and opening to the upper surface of said lloase, said end walls each having two of said sets of notches and recesses and said side walls each having one of said sets of notches and recesses arranged in diagonally opposed relationship to each other, six like terminal members positioned within said sets of notches and recesses in substantially lflush relationship to the upper surface of said base, four like resilient contact members rigidly attached to the respective end wall terminal members and having the free end portions thereof arranged in longitudinally spaced and alined pairs adjacent to but biased upwardly from the bottom wall of said recess, a. fiat insulating plate superimposed upon said free end portions of said contacts and adapted to overlap all cf the latter in all positions of the former, a pair of metal contactors carried by said plate and adapted to alternately engage the respective -free end portions of said longitudinally alined pairs upon movement of said plate to opposite extreme positions, two like vbut reversely arranged resilient contact members rigidly attached to the respective side wall terminal members and having the free end portions thereof overlying said plate in all positions oi the latter, said contactors being also respectively engaged with one of said last mentioned free end portions in each extreme position of said plate, and manually operable means including means for effecting snap movement of said plate from each extreme position thereof to the other.

'1. In a two-position double-pole, doublethrow switch of the tool-handle type, in combination, a molded insulating base having a relatively long substantially rectangular recess formed therein and opening to the upper surface thereof, the end Walls and side walls of said recess having six substantially similar sets of notches and recesses formed therein and opening to the upper surface of said base, said end walls each having two of said sets of notches and recesses and said side walls each having one of said sets of notches and recesses arranged in diagonally opposed relationship to each other,

six like terminal members positioned within said sets of notches and recesses in substantially ilush relationship to the upper surface of said base, four like resilient contact members rigidly attached to the respective end wall terminal members and having the free end portions thereof arranged in longitudinally spaced and alined pairs adjacent to but biased upwardly from the bottom wall of said recess, a flat insulating plate superimposed upon free end portions of said contacts and adapted to overlap all of the latter in all positions of the former, a pair of metal contactors carried by said plate and adapted to alternately engage the respective free end portions of said longitudinally alined pairs upon movement of said plate to opposite extreme positions, two like but reversely arranged resilient contact members rigidly attached to the respective side wall terminal members and having the free end portions thereof overlying said plate in all positions of the latter, said contact-ors being also respectively engaged with one of said last mentioned free end portions in each extreme position of said plate, means including a metal top plate secured to the upper surface of said base to retain all of said wiring terminal members in assembled position, a iiexible, rubberlike sheet interposed between said top plate and the upper surface of said base to insulate said terminal members and to provide for substantial dust-tightness of the peripheral wall of said recess, snap acting mechanism for said plate including a manually operable lever, a substantially dome-shaped member of flexible, rubberlike material overlying the base recess to provide for substantial dust-tightness of the upper end of the latter, said dome-shaped member having a slit formed therein to accommodate said lever and to provide for oscillation of the latter while substantially insuring against ingress of dust to said recess, said mechanism being adapted to effect snap movement of said plate from each extreme position thereof to the other upon movement of said lever in a corresponding direction.

8. In an electric snap switch'of the character described, in combination, an insulating base having a recess opening to the upper surface thereof, four like combined resilient contact and terminal members secured in pairs to the opposed end walls of said recess in a substantially flush relationship to the upper surface of said base, the resilient contact portions of all of said members extending downwardly along the respective end walls and then along the bottom wall of said recess to provide spaced longitudinally alined pairs normally biased upwardly from said bottom wall, two additional like combined resilient contact and terminal members secured in reverse relationship to each other at diagonally opposite points on the respective side walls of said recess in a substantially flush relationship to the upper surface of said base, the resilient contacts of said last mentioned members each having a portion extending downwardly along its associated side -wall of the recess and a metal strip portion bent laterally .at substantially a right angle to said wall, said metal strip portion being bent to reflex form whereby the free end portion extends longitudinally of said recess to opposite sides of the transverse center line of the latter, a ilat punched plate of insulating material positioned below the resilient free end portions of said last mentioned pair of members and above the free end portions of said four members first mentioned and interposed between said free end portions in all positions of said plate, a pair of bridging conta-eters carried by said plate and adapted for engagement with said upper pair of free end portions in each extreme position of said plate, said contactors being also adapted to engage two of the lower resilient contact portions at one side or the other of the transverse center line of said recess in each extreme position of said plate, and manually operable means for effecting snap movement of said plate from each extreme position thereof to the other.

9. In an electric snap switch of the character described, in combination, an 4insulating base having a recess opening to the upper surface thereof, four like combined resilient contact and terminal members secured in pairs to the opposed end walls of said recess in a substantially iiush relationship to the upper surface of said base, the resilient Contact portions of said members extending downwardly along the respective end walls and then along the bottom wall of said recess to provide spaced longitudinally aligned pairs normally biased upwardly from said bottom wall, two additional like combined resilient Contact and terminal members secured in reverse relationship to each other at diagonally opposite points on the respective side walls of said recess in a substantially ush relationship to the upper surface of said base, the resilient contacts of said last mentioned members each having a portion extending downwardly along its associated side wall of the recess and a metal strip portion bent laterally at substantially a right angle to said wall, said metal strip portion being bent to reex form whereby the free end portion extends longitudinally of said recess to opposite sides of the transverse center line of the latter, a flat punched plate of insulating material positioned below the resilient free end portions of said last mentioned pair of members and above the free end portions of said four members rst mentioned and interposed between said free end portions in all positions of said plate, a pair of bridging contactors carried by said plate and adapted for engagement with said upper pair of free end portions in each extreme position of said plate, said contaotors being also adapted to engage two of the lower resilient contact portions at one side or the other of the transverse center line of said recess' in each extreme position of said plate, manually operable means for eiecting snap movement of said plate from each extreme position thereof to the other, each of said upper pair of free end portions having a downwardly extending boss or bend formed therein in alinernent with the transverse center line of said recess, and said plate having an integral portion thereof interposed between spaced exposed portions of each contacter at the upper surface of said plate, to thereby provide for a double break between each contactor and the resilient free end portions of the contacts associated therewith upon each movement of said plate from one extreme position to the other.

10. As an article of manufacture, a common combined resilient contact and wiring terminal member for a snap switch of the double-throw type without an oi position, said member comprising a machined metal element having a substantially square outer ange, a substantially cylindrical intermediate portion and an inner cylindrical portion of relatively smaller diameter than said intermediate portion, said element having a centrally located tapped opening formed therein to accommodate the shank of a binding screw, a resilient contact element having a perforated square portion alined with said ilange and rigidly secured to said machined metal element by upsetting the end of said inner cylindrical portion thereover, said contact element having an integral metal strip portion bent at substantially a right angle to said Square portion, said metal strip portion being bent to refiexed form to provide a relatively long free end portion which is initially bent and normally biased by its own resiliency downwardly at an angle to the horizontal, said free end portion being adapted upon assembly thereof with respect to other parts of the switch to be maintained in a substantially horizontal plane against said downward bias.

1l. As an article of manufacture, a common combined resilient contact and wiring terminal member for a snap switch of the double-throw type without an off position, said member comprising a machined metal element having a substantially square outer flange, a substantially cylindrical intermediate portion and an inner cylindrical portion of relatively smaller diameter than said intermediate portion, said element having a centrally located tapped opening formed therein to accommodate the shank of a binding screw, a resilient contactelement having a perforated square portion alined with said flange and rigidly secured to said machined metal element by upsetting the end of 'said inner cylindrical portion thereover, said contact element having an integral metal strip portion bent at substantially a right angle to said square portion, said metal strip portion being bent to reflexed form to provide a relatively long free end portion which is initially bent and normally biased by its own resiliency downwardly at an angle to the horizontal, said free end portion being adapted upon assembly thereof with respect to other parts of the switch to be maintained in a substantially horizontal plane against said downward bias, and said relatively long free end portion having a downward bend or boss formed at substantially the mid-point of its length, for the purpose set forth.

12. In an electric snap switch, in combination, a molded insulating base having a recess formed therein and opening to the upper surface thereof, a wall of said recess having a notch and an alined auxiliary recess formed therein and opening to the upper surface of said base, said notch opening to the inner surface of said wall and to said auxiliary recess and said auxiliary recess opening to the outer surface of said wall, a machined metal terminal member having an outer substantially square flange portion adapted to fit into said auxiliary recess in a relation substantially flush with the upper surface of said base, said member having an'intermediate substantially cylindrical portion adapted to seat within said notch and an inner substantially cylindrical portion of relatively smaller diameter, said terminal member having a tapped opening extending centrally therethrough to accommodate the shank of a binding screw, a resilient contact `member having a substantially square upper end portion of a size corresponding to said flange portion, said upper end portion having an opening to accommodate said inner cylindrical portion and the latter having its inner end upset over` said upper end portion to rigidly and permanently secure said parts to each other, the corners of said upper end portion being bent to a substantial degree toward said flange portion to provide for a resilient press t of said unit' against opposite faces of said recess to thereby provide a substantially dust-tight lateral seal for said notch, said contact member having a free end portion adapted for cooperation with a contactor of suitable form.

13. In an electric snap switch of the toolhandle type, in combination, a molded base of phenolic condensation type material having a substantially rectangular recess formed therein and opening to the upper surface thereof, a rib formed integrally with said base and having a flat surface offset upwardly from the bottom wall of said recess, a flat plate of insulating material slidable upon said flat surface, a contacter carried by said plate at one side of said rib and having portions thereof exposed at the lower and upper surfaces of said plate, a pair of lower and upper resilient contacts between which said plate is continuously interposed, said contacter being movable by said plate into and out of bridging engagement with said resilient contacts, a separately formed liber block of rectangular contour carried by said base at a point closely adjacent to the free end of said lower contact and over which said contactor is adapted to move when disengaged from said lower contact, said block being adapted to assist in cooling and snufling any arcs drawn between said lower contact and said contactor upon separating movement of the latter and to protect the bottom wall of said recess from the charring effect of such arcs, and manually operable means associated with said base to effect snap movements of said plate and said contactor from each extreme position thereof to the other.

14. In an electric snap switch of the tool-handle type, in combination, a molded insulating base subject to charring under the heat of an electric arc, said base having a substantially rectangular recess formed therein and opening to the upper surface thereof, a rib formed integrally with said base and having a flat surface offset upwardly from the bottom wall of said recess, a flat plate of insulating material slidable upon said flat surface, a contactor carried by said plate at one side' of said rib and having portions thereof exposed at the lower and upper surfaces of said plate, a pair of lower and upper resilient contacts between which said plate is continuously interposed, said contactor being movable by said plate into and out of bridging engagement with said resilient contacts, a separately formed block of arc resistant insulating material of substantially rectangular contour carried by said base at a point closely adjacent to the free end of said lower contact and over which said contactor is adapted to move when disengaged from said lower contact, said block being adapted to assist in cooling and snufiing any arcs drawn between said lower contact and said contacter upon separating movement of the latter and to protect the bottom wall of said recess from the charring effect of such arcs, and manually operable means associated with said base to eifect snap movements of said plate and said contacter from each extreme position thereof to the other.

15. In a double-pole, double-throw snap switch, in combination, an insulating base having a recess formed therein and opening to the upper surface thereof, an insulating plate slidable in a plane parallel to the bottom Wall of said recess, a pair of contacts secured to the opposite end walls of said recess and having resilient free end portions spaced from each other longitudinally of said recess, a third contact secured to a side wall of said recess and having a resilient free end portion, said plate in all positions thereof being interposed between said third contact and said contacts first mentioned, a punched and stamped sheet metal contacter carried by said plate and having portions thereof exposed at opposite surfaces of the latter, one exposed portion of said 2,241,469 contactor being engaged with the resilient portion of said third contact in each extreme position of said plate, the other exposed portion of said contactor being engaged with the resilient portions of said contacts rst mentioned alternately upon movement of said plate to opposite extreme positions respectively, and manually operable means including means for eiecting snap movement of said plate in opposite directions respectively from each extreme position thereof to the other.

16. In a double-pole, double-throw snap switch, in combination, an insulating base having a recess formed therein and opening to the upper surface thereof, an insulating plate slidable in a plane parallel to the bottom wall of said recess. a pair of lower contacts secured to the opposite end walls of said recess and having resilient free end portions spaced from each other longitudinally of said recess, an upper contact secured to a side wall of said recess and having a resilient free end portion, said plate in all positions thereof being interposed between'said upper contact and said lower contacts, a'lstamped sheet metal contactor carried by said plate and having portions exposed at the upper and lower surfaces of the latter, said upper exposed portion of said contactor being engaged with the resilient portion of said upper contact in each extreme position of said plate, said lower exposed portion of said contactor being engaged with the resilient portions of said lower contacts alternately upon movement of said plate to opposite extreme positions respectively, and manually operable means including means for effecting snap movement of said plate in opposite directions respectively,

17. In a double-pole, double-throw snap switch, in combination, a molded insulating base having a recess formed therein and opening to the upper surface thereof, a flat punched insulating plate slidable in a plane parallel to the bottom wall of said recess, a pair of lower contacts respectively secured to the opposite end walls of said recess and having resilient free end portions spaced from each other longitudinally of said recess and biased upwardly from the bottom wall of the latter, an upper contact secured to a side wall of said recess and having a resilient free end portion biased toward said bottom wall of the recess, said plate in all positions thereof being interposed between said upper contact and said lower contacts, a stamped sheet metal contactor carried by said plate and having portions exposed at the-upper and lower surfaces of the latter, said upper exposed portion of said contactor being engaged with the resilient portion of said upper contact in each extreme position of said plate, said lower exposed portion of said contactor being engaged with the resilient portions of said lower contacts alternately upon movement of said plate to opposite extreme positions respectively, and manually operable means including means for effecting snap movement of said plate in opposite directions to said opposite extreme positions respectively.

GEORGE J. MEUER. 

